Divergently vented aerosol dispenser outer container therefor and preform therefor

ABSTRACT

An aerosol dispenser, an outer container for an aerosol dispenser and a preform for an outer container. The aerosol dispenser, outer container and preform each have a neck, which in turn has a crimp ring, to receive a valve cup clinched thereto. The crimp ring has slots which act as vents therethrough. The vents may be exposed to pressurized propellant and product due to deformation of the neck during undue internal pressurization. The cross section of the vents diverge in the downward direction to provide both flow area and for product and propellant and adequate area for the valve cup to be corrugatedly clinched to the crimp ring.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to aerosol dispensers having an integralvent, the outer container for such aerosol dispenser and the preform tomake such an outer container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Aerosol dispensers are well known in the art. Aerosol dispenserstypically comprise an outer container which acts as a frame for theremaining components and as a pressure vessel for propellant and productcontained therein. Outer containers made of metal are well known in theart. However, metal containers can be undesirable due to high cost andlimited recyclability. Attempts to use plastic have occurred in the art.Relevant attempts in the art to employ plastic in aerosol dispensers arefound in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,863,699; 3,333,743; 9,296,550; 9,334,103 and2009/0014679.

The outer containers are typically, but not necessarily, cylindrical.The outer container may comprise a closed end bottom adjoining thesidewalls and for resting on horizontal surfaces such as shelves,countertops, tables etc. The bottom of the outer container may comprisea re-entrant portion as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,403,804 or base cup asshown in U.S. Pat. No. 9,061,795. Sidewalls defining the shape of theouter container extend upwardly from the bottom to an open top. The opentop defines a neck for receiving additional components of the aerosoldispenser. The industry has generally settled upon a nominal neckdiameter of 2.54 cm, for standardization of components among variousmanufacturers, although smaller diameters, such as 20 mm, are also used.Various neck shapes are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,019,252; 7,028,866;7,279,207 and 7,303,087.

Typically a valve cup is inserted into the neck. The valve cup is sealedagainst a crimp ring at the top of the neck to prevent the escape of thepropellant and loss of pressurization, such as described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 8,074,847; 8,096,327; 8,844,765 and 8,869,842. The valve cup holdsthe valve components which are movable in relationship to the balance ofthe aerosol dispenser. Suitable valves are shown in commonly assignedU.S. Pat. Nos. 8,511,522 and 9,132,955. When the valves are opened,product may be dispensed through a nozzle, etc. as described in commonlyassigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,174,229.

A valve may be inserted into the valve cup for selective actuation bythe user. The valve is typically normally closed, but may be opened tocreate a flow path for the product to ambient or a target surface. Thevalve may be compatible with local recycling standards. Suitable valvesare disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,511,522 and9,132,955.

If a valve is to be assembled into an aerosol, typically the valve cupis crimped onto the neck of the aerosol container. But this operation isexpensive and is difficult to perform with a plastic valve cup. Aseparate interlock may be used to attach a valve to a valve cup,particularly a plastic valve and plastic valve cup are used. Suitableinterlocks include bayonet fittings and threads as disclosed in commonlyassigned P&G application, Case 14458, Ser. No. 15/235,237, filed Aug.12, 2016. A pressure vessel with a threaded bore is proposed in U.S.Pat. No. 8,505,762.

A bag may be used to contain product for selective dispensing by a user.Dispensing of product from the bag occurs in response to the useractuating the valve. The bag separates product within the bag frompropellant disposed between the bag and container. This bag limits oreven prevents intermixing of the contents of the bag and the componentsoutside of the bag. Thus, product may be contained in the bag.Propellant may be disposed between the outside of the bag and the insideof the outer container. Upon actuation of the valve, a flow path out ofthe bag is created. This embodiment is commonly called a bag in can andmay be used, for example, in dispensing shaving cream gels.Alternatively, a bag may be directly joined to the valve housing, in aconfiguration commonly called a bag on valve. A suitable bagconfiguration is disclosed in commonly assigned application, P&G Case14458, Ser. No. 15/235,227, filed Aug. 12, 2016 which teaches attachinga bag to a valve cup.

If a bag configuration is desired, propellant may be disposed betweenthe bag and outer container, as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.Nos. 8,631,632 and 8,869,842. Afterwards, product fill may occur in aseparate, remote, operation, optionally carried out in another location,which may be in the same country or in a different country. Such amanufacturing process can conserve costs in production, shipment and/orstorage.

An aerosol container having a bag therein may be made from a dual layerpreform, having plural layers disposed one inside the other. Relevantattempts include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,450,254; 4,330,066; 6,254,820; RE30093 E; and publications WO 9108099 and US 2011/0248035 A01. But eachof these attempts requires a separate operation to attach the bag to therelevant component. Each attachment step takes time in manufacturing andcreates the opportunity for leakage if not correctly performed.Improvements in dual layer preforms are found in commonly assignedapplication P&G Case 14461, Application Ser. No. 15/235,279, filed Aug.12, 2016.

Alternatively, a dip tub may be used if intermixing of the product andpropellant is desired. When the user actuates the valve, the product andpropellant are dispensed together through the dip tube. Oneconfiguration is shown in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,222.This embodiment may utilize a dip tube. The dip tube takes the productand propellant mixture from the bottom of the outer container. Or apiston may be used to expel product, if it is particularly viscous, asdescribed in commonly assigned US publication 2016/0368633.

But aerosol dispensers have typically been used to dispense productswhich can be used independent of the product temperature. For example,aerosol dispensers are commonly used to dispense cleaning products,insecticide, air fresheners, shaving cream, etc. These products areubiquitously dispensed at the temperature ambient to the aerosoldispenser, typically room temperature.

But room temperature may not be optimum for all products. Some productsmay be more optimally used in a warmed or heated condition, the termsbeing used interchangeably. For example, certain foods are morepalatable when served warm. Air freshener may disperse better whenwarmed. Shaving cream may be perceived to be more comfortable whenwarmed. Commonly assigned applications, P&G Case 14735, Application Ser.No. 15/444,354 and P&G Case 14736, Ser. No. 15/444,356 disclose heatingof aerosol dispensers in a microwave oven.

Overpressurization, and rupture may occur, for example, during microwaveheating if a microwavable aerosol is left unattended or duringmanufacture if excessive propellant charge occurs. U.S. Pat. No.9,394,098 teaches an adapter collar which can purportedly function as asafety shield in the event of overpressurization and rupture. But thisattempt adds complexity and additional leakage pathways. And thisadapter collar may be ineffective in the case of rupture. U.S. Pat. Nos.3,074,602; 3,292826; 3,372,827 and 3,815,534 teaches score lines and apressure relief valve for an aerosol can. But these attempts in the artrely upon precise tolerances and precision manufacture to properly workrelieve pressure in the event of overpressurization. Such tolerances maybe difficult to maintain in high speed production.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an aerosoldispenser which minimizes occurrences of rupture in the event ofoverpressurization, through integral venting and which provides forsecure attachment of the valve cup to the crimp ring.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments, the invention comprises an aerosol dispenser, anouter container for an aerosol dispenser and a preform for an outercontainer. The aerosol dispenser, outer container and preform each havea neck, which in turn has a crimp ring, to receive a valve cup clinchedthereto. The crimp ring has slots which can act as vents therethrough.The vents are exposed to pressurized propellant and product due todeformation of the neck during undue internal pressurization. The ventsalso have a downwardly divergent geometry which advantageously allowsfor pressure relief in the event of overpressurization and provides forsecure attachment of the valve cup to the crimp ring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an aerosol dispenser according tothe present invention.

FIG. 2A is a side elevational sectional view of an aerosol dispenserhaving a collapsible bag.

FIG. 2B is a side elevational sectional view an aerosol dispenser havinga dip tube.

FIG. 3B and the lower portion of FIG. 3A are drawn to scale.

FIG. 3A is a fragmentary perspective view of an outer container for theaerosol dispenser of the claimed invention having a fragmentary explodedgasket and an exploded sectional valve cup, the gasket being shown inphantom in position in the valve cup.

FIG. 3B is a fragmentary perspective view of a valve cup having acorrugated crimp wall.

FIGS. 4A-4D are drawn to scale and taken from FIG. 3. The vents in FIGS.4A-4D are shown in double cross hatch.

FIG. 4A is a fragmentary enlarged view of a crimp ring having axialvents on the outer surface.

FIG. 4B is a fragmentary enlarged view of a crimp ring having axialvents on the inner surface.

FIG. 4C is a fragmentary enlarged view of a crimp ring having axialvents on the outer surface and lower surface.

FIG. 4D is a fragmentary enlarged view of a crimp ring having axialvents on the outer surface, radial vents on the lower surface lowersurface and inner surface, and further having a circumferential ventbridging the axial and radial vents, respectively vents on both theouter surface and lower surface and a circumferential vent bridging theaxial vents on the inner surface.

FIG. 5A is a side view of a preform for the outer container of theclaimed invention having irregularly shaped and irregularly spacedvents.

FIG. 5B is a top plan view drawn to scale of a preform for the outercontainer of the claimed invention having irregularly shaped andirregularly spaced vents.

FIGS. 6A-7B are drawn to scale

FIG. 6A is a fragmentary perspective view of an outer container havingstepped divergent vents.

FIG. 6B is a fragmentary perspective view of the outer container of FIG.6A.

FIG. 6C is a fragmentary perspective view of an outer container havingradially stepped external vents and optional vents internal to the neck.

FIG. 6D is a top plan view of an outer container of having vents ofdifferent circumferential widths.

FIG. 7A is a fragmentary perspective view of an outer container havingrectilinearly divergent vents.

FIG. 7B is a fragmentary side elevational view of an outer containerhaving curvilinearly divergent vents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol dispenser 20 is shown. The aerosoldispenser 20 comprises a pressurizeable outer container 22 usable forsuch a dispenser. The outer container 22 may comprise plastic or metal,as are known in the art. The outer container 22 has both product 40 andpropellant 42 disposed therein at the point of use.

The outer container 22 has an opening with a valve cup 26 therein. Auser activated dispensing valve 28 may be disposed in the valve cup 26.A product delivery device may be joined to the valve cup 26. Propellant40 may be disposed between the outer container 22 and the productdelivery device. The product 42 and propellant 40 may be separatelydispensed or may be dispensed together.

The aerosol dispensers 20, and components thereof, may have alongitudinal axis LA, and may optionally be axi-symmetric with a roundcross section. Alternatively, the outer container 22, a product deliverydevice therein, a dispensing valve 28, etc., may be eccentric and have asquare, elliptical or other cross section.

The outer container 22 may have an opening. The opening is typically atthe top of the pressurizeable container 22 when the pressurizeablecontainer 22 is in its-in use position. The opening defines a neck 24,to which other components may be sealed. The neck 24 has a perimeter24P, which defines the outside of the neck 24. The perimeter 24P of theneck 24 has at least one vent 25, and preferably a plurality of vents25.

The top of the neck 24 may have a crimp ring 24CR thereon. The crimpring 24CR extends radially outwardly from the neck 24 below. A metalvalve cup 26 may be clinched to the crimp ring 24CR in known fashion. Agasket 24G may be disposed between the top of the crimp ring 24CR andthe valve cup 26.

The valve cup 26 may be integral and formed from a single piece of metalcomprising plural contiguous and annular walls. Alternatively, the valvecup 26 may comprise plastic, or any material suitable for forming aroundor welding to the crimp ring 24CR. Each wall of the valve cup 26 hasopposed inner and outer surfaces, the inner surfaces generally facingdownward or towards the longitudinal axis LA.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3A, the valve cup 26 may have a center hole, toallow for a valve stem the longitudinally move therethrough. Radiallyoutward from and adjacent the hole is an annular platform 126. Adjacent,radially outward from and contiguous the platform 126 is an annularinner skirt wall 127. Adjacent, radially outward from and contiguous theinner skirt wall 127 is an annular bottom wall 128. Adjacent, radiallyoutward from and contiguous the bottom wall 128 is an annular outerskirt wall 129.

Preferably the outer skirt wall 129 is spaced away from the insidediameter surface 241 of the neck 24 to allow for ease of assembly.Adjacent, radially outward from and contiguous the outer skirt wall 129is an annular top wall 130. The inner surface of the top wall 130 sealsagainst the gasket 24G. Adjacent, radially outward from and contiguousthe top wall 130 is an annular outer wall 131. The inner surface of theouter wall 131 seals against the outer surface 24CRO of the crimp ring24CR. Adjacent, radially outward from and contiguous the outer wall 129is an annular crimp wall 132. The crimp wall 132 engages the lowersurface 24CRL of the crimp ring 24CR to clamp the valve cup 26 in place.The walls 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132 are shown in concentric,parallel and orthogonal relationships, although the invention is not solimited. Any suitable angular relationship may be used.

The annular outer wall 131 may be perforate. By perforate it is meantthat the outer wall 131 is gas permeable. Gas permeability is attainedby one or more circumferentially spaced holes 135 through the outer wall131. The holes 135 allow for exhausting of propellant 40 and/or product42 therethrough which escapes past the gasket 24G to ambient.

The holes 135 may be longitudinally centered, or intercept the crimpwall 132. The holes 135 may be equally or unequally sized, equally orunequally circumferentially spaced, and equally or unequallylongitudinally disposed. For the system described herein, three to 15spaced holes 135, having a diameter of 0.3 mm to 1 mm are believed to besuitable and particularly four holes equally spaced at 90 degrees andhaving a diameter of 0.8 mm is believed suitable.

Recycling class 1 thermoplastic elastomer [TPE] may be selected for thegasket 24G. The TPE material may be selected to be resistant to thepropellant 40 and/or product 42 desired for use. A hydrophilic TPE-Ebased compound formulated to provide adhesion to PET and chemicalresistance to silicone oil may be used as one or more components in theaerosol dispenser 20. Class 1 TPE material sold by Kraiburg TPE GmbH &Co KG of Waldkraiburg, Germany under the name Hcc8791-52 may besuitable.

A dispensing valve 28, in turn, may be disposed within the valve cup 26.The dispensing valve 28 provides for retention of product 42 within theaerosol dispenser 20 until the product 42 is selectively dispensed by auser. The product 42 may be dispensed through a dip tube 56 or from abag 55, as is known in the art.

The dispensing valve 28 may be selectively actuated by an actuator 29. Asuitable subcombination 21 may comprise the outer container 22, valvecup 26, dispensing valve 28, and any propellant 40 therein. The outercontainer 22, and valve 28 according to the present invention may beentirely polymeric and particularly entirely Stream 1 as defined by theSociety of Plastics Engineers.

Selective actuation of the dispensing valve 28 allows the user todispense a desired quantity of the product 42 on demand. Illustrativeand nonlimiting products 42 for use with the present invention mayinclude shave cream, shave foam, body sprays, body washes, perfumes,cleansers, air fresheners, astringents, foods, paints, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, inside the outer container 22 may be aproduct delivery device. The product delivery device may comprise acollapsible bag 55 as shown in FIG. 2A. The collapsible bag 55 may bemounted in sealing relationship to the neck 24 of the container and/orto the dispensing valve 28. This arrangement is known in the art as abag-on-valve. The collapsible bag 55 may hold product 42 therein, andprevent intermixing of such product 42 with propellant 40. Thepropellant 40 may be stored outside the collapsible bag 55, and insidethe outer container 22.

The collapsible bag 55 may expand upon being charged with product 42.Such expansion decreases the available volume inside the outer container22. Decreasing the available volume increases the pressure of anypropellant 40 therein according to Boyles law.

The product delivery device may alternatively or additionally comprise adip tube 56 as shown in FIG. 2B. The dip tube 56 extends from a proximalend sealed to the dispensing valve 28. The dip tube 56 may terminate ata distal end juxtaposed with the bottom of the outer container 22.

This embodiment provides for intermixing of the product 42 andpropellant 40. Both are co-dispensed in response to selective actuationof the dispensing valve 28 by a user. Again, insertion of product 42and/or propellant 40 into the outer container 22 increases pressuretherein according to Boyles law.

The outer container 22 may comprise a plastic pressurizeable container.The plastic may be polymeric, and particularly comprise PET. Thedispensing valve 28, and optional valve cup 26 may be welded to the neck24 of the outer container 22, as discussed below. The valve cup 26 maybe clinched to the neck 24 in known fashion.

Any number of known valve assemblies 28 may be usable with the presentinvention. One suitable and non-limiting example, is shown. A suitabledispensing valve 28 may be made according to the teachings of commonlyas signed publications 2010/0133301A1 and/or 2010/0133295A1, and formsno part of the claimed invention.

The pressurizeable container may further include a propellant 40. Thepropellant 40 may be disposed between the outer container 22 and theproduct delivery device. Alternatively propellant 40 may be disposed inthe outer container 22 and/or the collapsible bag 55. Typically thepressure in the outer container 22 is greater than the pressure in thecollapsible bag 55, so that product 42 may be dispensed from within thebag. If a dip tube 56 is selected for the product delivery device, thepropellant 40 and product 42 may be intermixed, and thus co-dispensed.The pressure of the propellant 40 within the outer container 22 providesfor dispensing of the product 42/co-dispensing of product 42/propellant40 to ambient, and optionally to a target surface. The target surfacemay include a surface to be cleaned or otherwise treated by the product42, skin, etc. Such dispensing occurs in response to the user actuatingthe dispensing valve 28.

Examining the components in more detail, the product delivery device maycomprise a flexible, collapsible bag 55. The pressure boundary for thepropellant 40 is formed, in part, by the collapsible bag 55. Or theproduct delivery device may comprise a dip tube 56. In eitherembodiment, the pressure boundary for the propellant 40 is formed, inpart by the underside of the dispensing valve 28 when the valve 28 isclosed.

If desired, the outer container 22, dispensing valve 28, dip tube 56and/or collapsible bag 55 may be polymeric. By polymeric it is meantthat the component is formed of a material which is plastic, comprisespolymers, and/or particularly polyolefin, polyester or nylons. Thus, theentire aerosol dispenser 20 or, specific components thereof, may be freeof metal, allowing exposure to microwave energy.

The valve cup 26 may comprise ductile and formable metal such as lowcarbon steel or aluminum. The valve cup 26 may be stamped and clinchedin known fashion.

If desired, the outer container 22, collapsible bag 55, and/or dip tube56, may be transparent or substantially transparent. If both the outercontainer 22 and a collapsible bag 55 used as the product deliverydevice are transparent, this arrangement provides the benefit that theconsumer knows when product 42 is nearing depletion and allows improvedcommunication of product 42 attributes, such as color, viscosity, etc.Also, labeling or other decoration 57 of the container 22 may be moreapparent if the background to which such decoration is applied is clear.Alternatively or additionally, the outer container 22, collapsible bag55, etc. may be transparent and colored with like or different colors.

The outer container 22 may define a longitudinal axis LA of the aerosoldispenser 20. The outer container 22 may be axisymmetric as shown, or,may be eccentric. While a round cross-section is shown, the invention isnot so limited. The cross-section may be square, elliptical, irregular,etc. Furthermore, the cross section may be generally constant as shown,or may be variable. If a variable cross-section is selected, the outercontainer 22 may be barrel shaped, hourglass shaped, or monotonicallytapered.

The outer container 22 may range from 6 to 40 cm in height, taken in theaxial direction and from 4 to 60 cm in diameter if a round footprint isselected. The outer container 22 may have a volume ranging from 50 or115 cc to 1000 cc exclusive of any components therein, such as a productdelivery device. The outer container 22 may be injection stretch blowmolded. If so, the injection stretch blow molding process may provide astretch ratio of greater than 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 12, 15 or 20.

The outer container 22 may sit on a base. The base is disposed on thebottom of the outer container 22 and of the aerosol dispenser 20.Suitable bases include petaloid bases, champagne bases, hemispherical orother convex bases used in conjunction with a base cup. Or the outercontainer 22 may have a flat base with an optional punt.

A punt is a concavity in the bottom of the container and extendingtowards the neck 24 of the container. A punt is distinguishable from ageneral concavity in the bottom of a container, as a punt has a smallerdiameter than is defined by the footprint of the bottom of thecontainer. The punt may be axisymmetric about the longitudinal axis LA.The vertex of the punt may be coincident the longitudinal axis LA. Theouter container 22 sidewall also defines a diameter.

The plastic outer container 22 preferably does not creep under pressuresranging from 100 to 970 kPa, and having a sidewall thickness less than0.5 mm. The outer container 22 may be pressurized to an internal gagepressure of 100 to 970, 110 to 490 or 270 to 420 kPa. A particularaerosol dispenser 20 may have an initial propellant 40 pressure of 1100kPA and a final propellant 40 pressure of 120 kPa, an initial propellant40 pressure of 900 kPA and a final propellant 40 pressure of 300 kPa, aninitial propellant 40 pressure of 500 kPA and a final propellant 40pressure of 0 kPa, etc. The propellant 40 pressurizes the product 42 toa pressure greater than ambient, to provide for delivery from theaerosol dispenser 20.

The aerosol dispenser 20, as presented to a user may have an initialpressure. The initial pressure is the highest pressure encountered for aparticular filling operation, and corresponds to no product 42 yet beingdispensed from the product delivery device. As product 42 is depleted,the outer container 22 approaches a final pressure. The final pressurecorresponds to depletion of substantially all product 42, except forsmall residual, from the product delivery device.

The outer container 22, and all other components, except the TPE gasket24G, and valve cup 26 may comprise, consist essentially of or consist ofPET, PEN, Nylon EVOH or blends thereof to meet DOT SP 14223. Suchmaterials may be selected from a single class of recyclable materials,as set forth above by the SPI.

The neck 24 may be connected to the container sidewall by a shoulder 23.The shoulder 23 may more particularly be joined to the sidewall by aradius. The shoulder 23 may have an annular flat. The neck 24 may have agreater thickness at the top of the outer container 22 than at lowerportions of the neck 24 to provide a differential thickness. Suchdifferential thickness may be accomplished through having an internallystepped neck 24 thickness.

The product 42 may also be inflammable. Flammability, and the absencethereof, may be determined in accordance with the absence of a firepoint per ASTM D 92, Standard Test Method for Flash and Fire Points byCleveland Open Cup Tester, by ASTM E-681 and/or EU A11 test methods.

The propellant 40 may comprise nitrogen, air hydrofluoroolefin andmixtures thereof. Propellant 40 listed in the US Federal Register 49 CFR173.115, Class 2, Division 2.2 are also considered acceptable. Thepropellant 40 may particularly comprise a hydrofluoroolefin, aTrans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene, 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene,(1E), and optionally a CAS number 1645-83-6 gas. Suitable propellants 40are commercially available from Honeywell International of Morristown,N.J. under the trade names SOLSTICE® ZE (HFO-1234ze) and SOLSTICE® PF(HFO-1233zd(E)).

If desired, the propellant 40 may be condensable. By condensable, it ismeant that the propellant 40 transforms from a gaseous state of matterto a liquid state of matter within the outer container 22 and under thepressures encountered in use. Generally, the highest pressure occursafter the aerosol dispenser 20 is charged with product 42 but beforethat first dispensing of that product 42 by the user. A condensablepropellant 40 provides the benefit of a flatter depressurization curveas product 42 is depleted during usage.

A condensable propellant 40 provides the benefit that a greater volumeof gas may be placed into the container at a given pressure. Upondispensing of a sufficient volume of product 42 from the space betweenthe outer container 22 and the product delivery device, the condensablepropellant 40 may flash back to a gaseous state of matter.

The pressurizeable container 22 may be charged with an amount of product42 which brings the pressure, as initially presented to the user,sufficient to dispense and substantially deplete the product 42 from theaerosol dispenser 20. The final pressure, after substantially allproduct 42 is depleted, is less than the initial pressure.

Product 42 may be charged into the container through the dispensingvalve 28, as is known in the art. When product 42 is charged into thecontainer, the product 42 increases the pressure of the propellant 40.The increase in propellant 40 pressure occurs due to the increase involume of the collapsible bag 55 if such a bag 55 is used as a productdelivery device. Likewise, the increase in propellant 40 pressure occursdue to the increase in the number of moles of product 42 in the outercontainer 22 if a dip tube 56 is selected. An aerosol dispenser 20 maybe made according to commonly assigned US 2012/0292338A1; US2012/0291911A1; and/or US 2012/0291912A1.

The pressure of the propellant 40 at the end of the first phase ofmanufacture may correspond to the pressure at the end of the usable lifeof the aerosol dispenser 20, herein referred to as the final pressure.The pressure of the propellant 40 at the end of the second phase ofmanufacture may correspond to the pressure as initially presented to theuser.

The propellant 40 may be provided at a pressure corresponding to thefinal pressure of the aerosol dispenser 20 when substantially allproduct 42 is depleted therefrom. The propellant 40 may be charged to apressure of less than or equal to 300, 250, 225, 210, 200, 175 or 150kPa. The propellant 40 may be charged to a pressure greater than orequal to 50, 75, 100 or 125 kPa. The gage pressures cited herein are tobe construed as the initial pressure inside the outer container 22, asmanufactured and prior to first use.

Plural valves 28 may be used with a single outer container 22. Thisarrangement provides the benefit that product 42 and propellant 40, ordisparate products 42, are mixed at the point of use, allowingsynergistic results between incompatible materials. This arrangementalso provides the benefit that delivery of the propellant 40 providesmotive force to the product 42, often resulting in smaller particle sizedistributions. Smaller particle size distributions can be advantageousfor uniform product 42 distribution and minimizing undue wetting.

The aerosol dispenser 20, and particularly the outer container 22thereof, may have a burst pressure of at least 1100 kPa at 54.4 degreesC. and further may have a burst pressure of at least 1650 kPa at 20degrees C. Meeting these burst pressures is believed to avoid the needfor using DOT exemptions.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, the outer container 22 may have a round crimpring 24CR with an inner diameter oriented towards the longitudinalcenterline LA and an outer diameter opposed thereto. The crimp ring 24CRhave be thought of as having three conjoined surfaces, an upper surface24CRU, a lower surface 24CRL opposed thereto, and an outer surface 24CROjoining the upper surface 24CRU and lower surface 24CRL. The threesurfaces 24CRU, 24CRL and 24CRO are shown in parallel and orthogonalrelationships, although the invention is not so limited. Any suitableangular relationship may be used.

The upper surface 24CRU of the crimp ring 24CR typically has two annularbeads 242 to minimize leakage through the gasket 24G. The annular beads242 are optional and form no part of the claimed invention. The uppersurface 24CRU preferably does not form part of the vent 25 claimedherein.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D and examining the invention in more detail, theouter surface 24CRO of the crimp ring 24CR has at least one vent 25. Thevent 25 comprises a channel through the outer surface 24CRO and betweenthe outer surface 24CRO and the valve cup 26. The vent 25 is preferablyintegral with the neck 24, so that subsequent steps are not needed tomake the vents operational and useful.

Preferably, the vent 25 extends throughout the entire length of theouter surface 24CRO. This arrangement provides for controlled release ofpressure should overpresurization occur. More specifically, upon overpressurization, the neck 24 may bulge to a barrel shape, causing theupper surface 24CRU to deform concave inwardly. Propellant 42 and/orproduct 40 may the leak past the gasket 24G and be exhausted to ambientoutwardly through the vents 25.

Plural vents 25, equally circumferentially spaced about the perimeter ofthe outer surface 24CRO may be used to provide adequate flow area forthe exhaust. The flow area throttles the exhaust of propellant 42 and/orproduct 40 to safely depressurize the outer container 22.Circumferential spacing of the vents 25 allows for exhaust in the eventdeformation of the neck 24 is eccentric or occurs unevenly. The vents 25are preferably integral with the underlying surface and outer container22.

Optionally, vents 25 may also be disposed on the lower surface 24CRL ofthe crimp ring 24CR. These vents 25 are preferably aligned with thevents 25 on the outer surface 24CRO of the crimp ring 24CR. Preferably,the vents 25 extends throughout the entire length of the lower surface24CRL to provide for adequate venting. These additional and optionalvents 25 provide for venting between the lower surface 24CRL and thevalve cup 26.

Further optionally, vents 25 may also be placed on the inside diametersurface 241 of the neck 24. Such vents 25 preferably extend in thelongitudinal direction to at least the bottom of the valve cup 26adjacent the inside diameter surface 241 of the neck 24. Preferablythese vents 25 do not extend to the shoulder 23 or even the bottom ofthe neck 24 for strength. These additional and optional vents 25 providefor venting between the inside of the neck 24 and the valve cup 26.Again, preferably the

For any of the aforementioned surfaces, i.e. the inner diameter of theneck 24, the upper surface CRU of the crimp ring 24, and lower surface24CRL of the crimp ring 24L, one, two, or preferably at least threeequally spaced vents 25 may be used. Six to 12 vents 25 are believed tobe suitable. The vents 25 may be of constant cross section or variablecross section. The vents 25 may be of equal or unequal size, geometryand flow area. The vents 25 may be equally or unequallycircumferentially spaced. The vents 25 may have any suitable crosssection and hydraulic radius.

Referring particularly to FIG. 4D, optionally a circumferential vent 25may connect the axial vents 25 on the outer surface 24CRU, the axialvents 25 on the inside diameter surface 241 of the crimp ring 24CRU, orthe radial vents on the lower surface 24CRU. Such a circumferential ventprophetically allows cross communication between the aforementionedaxial and radial vents.

The vents 25 preferably divergently extend from the upper surface 24CRUof the crimp ring 24CR to the lower surface 24CRL of the crimp ring24CR. By divergently extend it is meant that the vents 25 increase incross sectional area from the upper surface 24CRU to the lower surface24CRL. The divergence of the vents 25 occurs in the downward direction,either axially parallelly downward or spiral with a vector component inthe downward direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. Thisgeometry provides the vents 25 with a greater cross sectional area atthe lower surface 24CRL than at the upper surface 24CRU.

The cross sectional area of the vents 25 may increase monotonically orincrease non-monotonically. If the vents 25 have constant depth in theradial direction, increased cross sectional area is preferentiallyaccomplished through greater circumferential dimension. However it is tobe recognized that suitable divergently extending vents 25 can beachieved with constant circumference and increasing radial depth or acombination of circumferential and radial divergence.

For a common 2.54 cm neck 24 diameter, the vents 25 may have acircumferential dimension of 1 to 2 mm, and particularly about 1.6 mm atthe upper surface 24CRU and a circumferential dimension of 3 to 7 mm,and particularly about 4.7 mm at the lower surface 24CRL. Preferably thevents 25 increase at least 2 and more preferably at least 3 mm incircumferential width from the upper surface 24CRU to the lower surface24CRL, particularly for vents 25 of constant radial depth. The vents 25described and claimed herein may have a radial depth of 0.5 to 1 mm, andparticularly about 0.8 mm.

The enlarged circumference provides the additional benefit of providingsufficient area for the crimp wall 132 to enter. The crimp wall 132conforms to the flat lower surface 24CRL and upwardly enters the vent 25from the bottom. This arrangement beneficially provides a radiallycorrugated crimp wall 132. It is believed the corrugated geometry of thecrimp wall 132 increases the attachment of the valve cup 26 to the crimpring 24CR. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the radialcorrugations result in differential strain hardening of a typical metalvalve cup 26, increasing the attachment to the crimp ring 24CR. Thus,currugatedly clinching the valve cup 26 to the crimp ring 24CR isbelieved to result in improved attachment.

Referring generally to FIGS. 4A-4D the vents 25 on the inner diameter ofthe neck 24 and outer surface 24CRO may be axially parallel or skewedrelative to the longitudinal axis LA. The vents 25 on the lower surface25CRL may be radially oriented, or radially skewed, such as spiraloriented. Again, preferably the upper surface 24CRU does not have vents25 therethrough or vents 25 which interrupt the optional annular beads242.

For a crimp ring 24CR having an outer radius of 32 mm, and an aerosoldispenser 20 having typical internal pressures, eight equally spacedvents 25, each having a radial depth of 0.8 millimeters may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, any of the aforementioned vents 25 may beincorporated into the preform 60. The preform 60 having the vents 25 isblown into an outer container 22 using known ISBM techniques. Thisarrangement provides the benefit that the vents 25 are present withoutadditional steps or complexity being required during manufacture.Further no additional steps or cost are required for the vents 25 to bein service and effective.

The vents 25 may be machined into the crimp ring 24CR using knowntechniques, or preferably are injection molded into the crimp ring 24CR.The vents 25 are more preferably molded into the preform 22P which islater molded into the outer container 22 using known ISBM techniques.

It is to be understood that the one or more vents 25 may be disposed onany one the outer surface 24CRO, inner diameter surface 241 and lowersurface 24CRL. Or the one or more vents 25 may be disposed on any two ofthe outer surface 24CRO, inner diameter surface 241 and lower surface24CRL without limitation and in any combination thereof. Or the one ormore vents 25 may be disposed on all three of the outer surface 24CRO,inner diameter surface 241 and lower surface 24CRL.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, in one particular embodiment the downwardlydivergent vents 25 may be stepped. Particularly the vents may have astep change in cross sectional area. In the embodiment shown the vents25 increase in circumferential dimension from about 1-3 mm at the uppersurface 24CRU of the crimp ring 24CR to about 3-7 mm at the lowersurface 24CRL of the crimp ring 24CRL. The vents 25 may also have agreater radial depth at the lower portion below the step change.

The stepped vents 25 provide the benefit that a thicker wall may betailored for the top of the crimp ring 24CR for strength and a greatercircumferential extent provided at the bottom of the crimp ring 24CRLfor engagement with the corrugations of the crimp wall 132, withoutconstraint by the vent 25 cross section therebetween.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 6C-6D, the inside diameter surface 241of the neck 24 may optionally be provided with vents 25. The vents 25disposed on the inside diameter surface 241 of the neck 24 may beconstant cross section or may be of divergent cross section in theupward direction as the top of the neck 24 is approached or may be ofdivergent cross section towards the bottom of the outer container 22. Asshown in FIG. 6D, the inner vents 25 and outer vents 25 may becircumferentially aligned. The invention is not so limited. The innervents 25 and outer vents 25 maybe circumferentially offset or acombination of circumferentially offset and circumferentially aligned.

Referring to FIG. 6C, the vents 25 of the outer container 22 of may beradially stepped, i.e. increase in cross section in the radial directionto provide for the desired venting. One of skill will recognize that acombination of increased cross sectional area in both the radial andcircumferential directions is feasible. As also shown in FIG. 6D, thevents 25 may not only be stepped, but may also be of differentcircumferential widths, both at the top and/or bottom of the vents 25.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, the vents 25 may monotonically divergethroughout the entire longitudinal extent from the upper surface 24CLUof the crimp ring 24CR to the lower surface 24CRL of the crimp ring 24.Without being bound by theory, this geometry is believed to provide thebenefit of more robust injection molding without having abrupt change incross section. The benefits of a thicker wall at the top of the crimpring 24CR for strength and a greater circumferential extent provided atthe bottom of the crimp ring 24CRL for engagement with the corrugationsof the crimp wall 13 is retained.

One of skill will understand that the vents 25 may be of identicalgeometry or different geometries. For example, the vents 25 may be ofdifferent geometries including both stepped vents 25 and vents 25 whichdiverge uniformly diverge throughout the length of the vent 25.

In various embodiments, the invention may be described according to thefollowing paragraphs.

-   -   A. A preform 60 for use in an outer container 22 of an aerosol        dispenser 20 and having a longitudinal axis, said preform 60        comprising:        -   an open top having a crimp ring 24CR therearound,        -   sidewalls depending from said open top, and a closed end            bottom joined to said sidewalls, said crimp ring 24CR having            an upper surface 24CRU and a lower surface 24CRL opposed            thereto, said upper surface 24CRU and said lower surface            24CRL being joined by an outer surface 24CRO, an inside            diameter surface being opposed to said outer surface 24CRO,            said outer surface 24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR having at            least one longitudinally oriented vent 25 extending from            said upper surface 24CRU to said lower surface 24CRL, said            vent 25 diverging from said upper surface 24CRU to said            lower surface 24CRL, whereby said at least one vent 25 have            a first cross section at said upper surface 24CRU and a            second cross section at said lower surface 24CRL, said            second cross section being greater than said first cross            section.    -   B. A preform 60 according to paragraph A comprising a plurality        of circumferentially spaced vents 25 disposed on said outer        surface 24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR, each vent 25 of said        plurality diverging from said upper surface 24CRU to said lower        surface 24CRL.    -   C. A preform 60 according to paragraphs A and B wherein said at        least one longitudinally oriented vent 25 comprises a plurality        of divergent integrally injection molded circumferentially        spaced vents 25 disposed on said outer surface 24CRO of said        crimp ring 24CR.    -   D. A preform 60 according to paragraphs A, B and C wherein said        at least one longitudinally oriented vent 25 comprises a        plurality of monotonically divergent integrally injection molded        circumferentially spaced vents 25 disposed on said outer surface        24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR.    -   E. A preform 60 according to paragraphs A, B, C and D wherein        said at least one longitudinally oriented vent 25 comprises a        plurality of monotonically divergent integrally injection molded        circumferentially spaced vents 25 disposed on said outer surface        24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR, said vents 25 having a step        change in cross section between said first cross section and        said second cross section.    -   F. A preform 60 according to paragraphs A, B, C and D comprising        a first plurality of integral circumferentially spaced vents 25        disposed on said outer surface 24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR,        and further comprising at least one annular bead disposed on        said upper surface 24CRU of said crimp ring 24CR, wherein said        at least one longitudinally oriented vent 25 comprises a        plurality of monotonically divergent integrally injection molded        circumferentially spaced vents 25 disposed on said outer surface        24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR, said vents 25 having a constant        change in cross section between said first cross section and        said second cross section.    -   G. A preform 60 according to paragraphs A, B, C, D, E and F        further comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced        longitudinally oriented vents 25 disposed on said inside        diameter surface 241 of said crimp ring 24CR.    -   H. An outer container 22 for use in an aerosol dispenser 20 and        having a longitudinal axis, said outer container 22 comprising:        -   an open top having a crimp ring 24CR therearound,        -   a shoulder 23 disposed in spaced relationship below said            crimp ring 24CR,        -   a lower neck 24 portion depending from said crimp ring 24CR            to said shoulder 23,        -   sidewalls depending below said shoulder 23, and        -   a closed end bottom joined to said sidewalls,        -   said crimp ring 24CR having an upper surface 24CRU and a            lower surface 24CRL opposed thereto, said upper surface            24CRU and said lower surface 24CRL being joined by an outer            surface 24CRO, an inside diameter surface being opposed to            said outer surface 24CRO, said outer surface 24CRO of said            crimp ring 24CR having at least one longitudinally oriented            vent 25 having a cross section divergently extending from            said upper surface 24CRU to said lower surface 24CRL, said            vent 25 diverging from said upper surface 24CRU to said            lower surface 24CRL, whereby said at least one vent 25 has a            first cross section at said upper surface 24CRU and a second            cross section at said lower surface 24CRL, said second cross            section being greater than said first cross section.    -   I. An outer container 22 according to paragraph H wherein said        at least one vent 25 comprises a plurality of circumferentially        spaced axially parallel vents 25 disposed on said outer surface        24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR.    -   J. An outer container 22 according to paragraphs H and I wherein        said at least one vent 25 comprises a plurality of integrally        injection molded circumferentially spaced vents 25 disposed on        said outer surface 24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR, said vents 25        having a constant radial dimension throughout the length        thereof.    -   K. An outer container 22 according to paragraphs H, I and J        wherein said at least one vent 25 comprises a plurality of        integrally injection molded circumferentially spaced vents 25        disposed on said outer surface 24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR        wherein said vents 25 have a circumferential dimension of 3 to 7        mm at said lower surface 24CRL of said crimp ring 24CR.    -   L. An outer container 22 according to paragraphs H, I, J and K        wherein said at least one vent 25 comprises a plurality of        integrally injection molded circumferentially spaced vents 25        disposed on said outer surface 24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR        wherein said vents 25 have a circumferential dimension of 1 to 2        mm at said upper surface 24CRU of said crimp ring 24CR.    -   M. An outer container 22 according to paragraphs H, I, J, K and        L wherein said at least one vent 25 comprises a plurality of        integrally injection molded circumferentially spaced vents 25        disposed on said outer surface 24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR        wherein said vents 25 have a circumferential dimension at said        upper surface 24CRU of said crimp ring 24CR and a        circumferential dimension at said lower surface 24CRL of said        crimp ring 24CR, said circumferential dimension at said upper        surface 24CRU being 2 to 5 mm greater than said circumferential        dimension than at lower surface 24CRL.    -   N. An outer container 22 according to paragraphs H, I, J, K, L        and M wherein said at least one vent 25 comprises a plurality of        integrally injection molded circumferentially spaced vents 25        disposed on said outer surface 24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR,        said vents 25 having a constant radial dimension throughout the        length thereof, wherein said at least one vent 25 comprises a        plurality of integrally injection molded circumferentially        spaced vents 25 disposed on said outer surface 24CRO of said        crimp ring 24CR wherein said vents 25 have a circumferential        dimension at said upper surface 24CRU of said crimp ring 24CR        and a circumferential dimension at said lower surface 24CRL of        said crimp ring 24CR, said circumferential dimension at said        upper surface 24CRU being 2 to 5 mm greater than said        circumferential dimension than at lower surface 24CRL.    -   O. An outer container 22 according to paragraphs H, I, J, K, L,        M and N, further comprising a valve cup 26 radially corrugatedly        joined to said crimp ring 24CR, a valve disposed in said valve        cup 26, a product delivery device and propellant disposed in        said outer container 22, said outer container 22 being free of        product therein.    -   P. An aerosol dispenser 20 for dispensing a product therefrom        and having a longitudinal axis, said aerosol dispenser 20        comprising:        -   an outer container 22 having an open top with a crimp ring            24CR therearound,        -   a shoulder 23 disposed in spaced relationship below said            crimp ring 24CR,        -   a lower neck 24 portion depending from said crimp ring 24CR            to said shoulder 23,        -   sidewalls depending below said shoulder 23,        -   a closed end bottom joined to said sidewalls,        -   a valve cup 26 radially corrugatedly joined to said crimp            ring 24CR,        -   a valve joined to said valve cup 26 for dispensing product            from said outer container 22,        -   a product delivery device disposed in said outer container            22, and        -   propellant disposed in said outer container 22 and in            operable relationship with said product delivery device,        -   said crimp ring 24CR having an upper surface 24CRU and a            lower surface 24CRL opposed thereto, said upper surface            24CRU and said lower surface 24CRL being joined by an outer            surface 24CRO, an inside diameter surface being opposed to            said outer surface 24CRO, said outer surface 24CRO of said            crimp ring 24CR having at least one longitudinally oriented            vent 25 having a cross section divergently extending from            said upper surface 24CRU to said lower surface 24CRL, said            vent 25 diverging from said upper surface 24CRU to said            lower surface 24CRL, whereby said at least one vent 25 has a            first cross section at said upper surface 24CRU and a second            cross section at said lower surface 24CRL, said second cross            section being greater than said first cross section.    -   Q. An aerosol dispenser 20 according to paragraph P wherein said        at least one longitudinally oriented vent 25 comprises a        plurality of monotonically divergent integrally injection molded        circumferentially spaced vents 25 disposed on said outer surface        24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR, said vents 25 having a step        change in cross section between said first cross section and        said second cross section.    -   R. An aerosol dispenser 20 according to paragraphs P and Q        wherein said at least one vent 25 comprises a plurality of        integrally injection molded circumferentially spaced vents 25        disposed on said outer surface 24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR,        said vents 25 having a constant radial dimension throughout the        length thereof, said vents 25 having a circumferential dimension        at said lower surface 24CRL 2 to 5 mm greater than said        circumferential dimension at said upper surface 24CRU.    -   S. An aerosol dispenser 20 according to paragraphs P, Q and R        wherein said at least one vent 25 comprises a plurality of        substantially identical integrally injection molded        circumferentially spaced vents 25 disposed on said outer surface        24CRO of said crimp ring 24CR wherein said vents 25 have a        circumferential dimension of 3 to 7 mm at said lower surface        24CRL of said crimp ring 24CR.    -   T. An aerosol dispenser 20 according to paragraphs P, Q, R and S        wherein said at least one vent 25 comprises a plurality of        identical integrally injection molded circumferentially spaced        vents 25 disposed on said outer surface 24CRO of said crimp ring        24CR, said vents 25 having a constant radial dimension        throughout the length thereof, said vents 25 having a        circumferential dimension at said lower surface 24CRL 2 to 5 mm        greater than said circumferential dimension at said upper        surface 24CRU, said circumferential dimension at said lower        surface 24CRL being from 3 to 7 mm.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm” and a pressure disclosed as “about 1100 kPa” is intendedto include 1103.2 kPa.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern. All limits shown herein as defining a range may be used with anyother limit defining a range. That is the upper limit of one range maybe used with the lower limit of another range, and vice versa.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An outer container for use in an aerosoldispenser and having a longitudinal axis, said outer containercomprising: an open top having a crimp ring there around, a shoulderdisposed in spaced relationship below said crimp ring, a lower neckportion depending from said crimp ring to said shoulder, sidewallsdepending below said shoulder, and a closed end bottom joined to saidsidewalls, said crimp ring having an upper surface and a lower surfaceopposed thereto, said upper surface and said lower surface being joinedby an outer surface, an inside diameter surface being opposed to saidouter surface, said outer surface of said crimp ring having at least onelongitudinally oriented vent having a cross section divergentlyextending from said upper surface to said lower surface, said ventdiverging from said upper surface to said lower surface, whereby said atleast one vent has a first cross section at said upper surface and asecond cross section at said lower surface, said second cross sectionbeing greater than said first cross section, said inside diametersurface having at least one vent, wherein said at least one vent on saidinside diameter surface extends through a portion of said lower neckportion; a valve cup radially clinched to said crimp ring; the valve cupincluding an annular platform having an annular inner skirt wall,annular bottom wall, annular top wall, and an annular outer skirt wall;the annular top wall is adjacent, radially outward from and contiguouswith the outer skirt wall; the annular outer wall is adjacent, radiallyoutward from and contiguous with the annular top wall; and wherein theannular outer wall includes one or more circumferentially spaced holesthrough the outer wall.
 2. The outer container according to claim 1wherein said at least one vent comprises a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced axially parallel vents disposed on said outersurface of said crimp ring.
 3. The outer container according to claim 1wherein said at least one vent comprises a plurality of integrallyinjection molded circumferentially spaced vents disposed on said outersurface of said crimp ring, said vents having a constant radialdimension throughout the length thereof.
 4. The outer containeraccording to claim 1 wherein said at least one vent comprises aplurality of integrally injection molded circumferentially spaced ventsdisposed on said outer surface of said crimp ring wherein said ventshave a circumferential dimension of 3 to 7 mm at said lower surface ofsaid crimp ring.
 5. The outer container according to claim 1 whereinsaid at least one vent comprises a plurality of integrally injectionmolded circumferentially spaced vents disposed on said outer surface ofsaid crimp ring wherein said vents have a circumferential dimension of 1to 2 mm at said upper surface of said crimp ring.
 6. The outer containeraccording to claim 1 wherein said at least one vent comprises aplurality of integrally injection molded circumferentially spaced ventsdisposed on said outer surface of said crimp ring wherein said ventshave a circumferential dimension at said upper surface of said crimpring and a circumferential dimension at said lower surface of said crimpring, said circumferential dimension at said upper surface being 2 to 5mm greater than said circumferential dimension than at lower surface. 7.The outer container according to claim 1 wherein said at least one ventcomprises a plurality of integrally injection molded circumferentiallyspaced vents disposed on said outer surface of said crimp ring, saidvents having a constant radial dimension throughout the length thereof,said vents having a circumferential dimension at said lower surface 2 to5 greater than said circumferential dimension at said upper surface. 8.The outer container according to claim 1, further comprising a valve cupradially corrugatedly joined to said crimp ring, a valve disposed insaid valve cup, a product delivery device and propellant disposed insaid outer container, said outer container being free of producttherein.
 9. An aerosol dispenser for dispensing a product therefrom andhaving a longitudinal axis, said aerosol dispenser comprising: an outercontainer having an open top with a crimp ring therearound, a shoulderdisposed in spaced relationship below said crimp ring, a lower neckportion depending from said crimp ring to said shoulder, sidewallsdepending below said shoulder, a closed end bottom joined to saidsidewalls, a valve cup radially corrugatedly joined to said crimp ring,a valve joined to said valve cup for dispensing product from said outercontainer, a product delivery device disposed in said outer container,and propellant disposed in said outer container and in operablerelationship with said product delivery device, said crimp ring havingan upper surface and a lower surface opposed thereto, said upper surfaceand said lower surface being joined by an outer surface, an insidediameter surface being opposed to said outer surface, said outer surfaceof said crimp ring having at least one longitudinally oriented venthaving a cross section divergently extending from said upper surface tosaid lower surface, said vent diverging from said upper surface to saidlower surface, whereby said at least one vent has a first cross sectionat said upper surface and a second cross section at said lower surface,said second cross section being greater than said first cross section,said inside diameter surface having at least one vent, wherein said atleast one vent on said inside diameter surface extends from said uppersurface of said crimp ring through a portion of said lower neck portion,the valve cup including an annular platform having an annular innerskirt wall, annular bottom wall, annular top wall, and an annular outerskirt wall; the annular top wall is adjacent, radially outward from andcontiguous with the outer skirt wall; the annular outer wall isadjacent, radially outward from and contiguous with the annular topwall; and wherein the annular outer wall includes one or morecircumferentially spaced holes through the outer wall.
 10. The aerosoldispenser according to claim 9 wherein said at least one longitudinallyoriented vent comprises a plurality of monotonically divergentintegrally injection molded circumferentially spaced vents disposed onsaid outer surface of said crimp ring, said vents having a step changein cross section between said first cross section and said second crosssection.
 11. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 9 wherein said atleast one vent comprises a plurality of integrally injection moldedcircumferentially spaced vents disposed on said outer surface of saidcrimp ring, said vents having a constant radial dimension throughout thelength thereof, said vents having a circumferential dimension at saidlower surface 2 to 5 mm greater than said circumferential dimension atsaid upper surface.
 12. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 9wherein said at least one vent comprises a plurality of substantiallyidentical integrally injection molded circumferentially spaced ventsdisposed on said outer surface of said crimp ring wherein said ventshave a circumferential dimension of 3 to 7 mm at said lower surface ofsaid crimp ring.
 13. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 9 whereinsaid at least one vent comprises a plurality of identical integrallyinjection molded circumferentially spaced vents disposed on said outersurface of said crimp ring, said vents having a constant radialdimension throughout the length thereof, said vents having acircumferential dimension at said lower surface 2 to 5 mm greater thansaid circumferential dimension at said upper surface, saidcircumferential dimension at said lower surface being from 3 to 7 mm.